Mental Health In Australia Essay

The Australian healthcare system has been evolving since the beginning of the colonisation of Australia. Today, Australia has an extremely efficient healthcare system although it still has several issues. The influencing factors, structure, and current issues of the Australian healthcare system will be throughly discussed and explained in this essay.

There are many government resources to which a person with mental illness can be assisted.

In the general population, 6 in 10 men and 5 in 10 women will experience a traumatic event which will lead into unstable habits, resulting in restricted physical activity. These restrictions in physical activities are linked with fear. In the recent years, researchers such as Campbell et al. (2008), Follette et al. (1996), Hoge et al. (2007) and Wagner et al. (2000) have concluded that there are physical health impacts a person can present from traumatic events (namely, combat exposure, sexual assault or natural disaster). The Australian Defence Force states that in 2010, approximately 90% of the ADF and 73% of Australian citizens have been affected by at least one traumatic event (Australian Government, unknown).Brewin, Andrews and Valentine (2000) informs that multiple traumatic events induce stronger neural signals on the brain. Campbell et al. (2008) and Hoge et al. (2007) highlight that somatic disorder is interrelated from these strong neural signals on the brain in emerging data in traumatic events and physical health.

The Australian health care system consists of both the public and private sectors along with a range of funding and regulatory means (Farmer). Services are provided by public and private hospitals, private medical practitioners, other health professionals, clinics and other government and non-government agencies (Thomson et al.). Funding is provided by all levels of the government (federal, state and local), health insurers, individuals and a range of other sources. The different levels of government (federal, state and local) all have different roles in the provision of public health care.

Mental illness has a profound impact on the Australian community, with 45% of Australians expected to experience mental illness at some point in their lives. In 1991, Australian Health Ministers commenced The Australian National Mental Health Strategy, which has since transitioned to its Fourth National Mental Health Plan Agreement. The Australian healthcare policy that has recently received attention in the Australian media is the revised National Mental Health Policy of 2008. The media article, ‘‘Futures will be lost’: Health fears as youth psychosis program dropped,’ has been analysed on its illustration of current structural reform proposed in the Mental Health sector. The role of media is critical in conveying policy to the public and

Poor mental health has large socioeconomic, sociocultural and environmental consequences for individuals and societies. Socioeconomic determinants of mental health problems exist mainly within people who are unemployed, these groups have a greater likelihood to involve themselves within substance abuse in relation to those with a higher socioeconomic status. A lack of employment can lead to increased levels of stress among young Australians. The rate of unemployment is inordinately high, the rate for people with critical and persistent mental health disorders (such as schizophrenia) are the highest within the unemployed (80-90%). Environmental factors affecting mental illness takes the biggest toll particularly on young males living in rural

Australia 's health-care system is a multi-faced connection of public and private providers, settings and requirements, participants and supporting mechanisms. Health providers in Australia include medical practitioners, allied and other health professionals, government and non-government agencies, nurses, hospitals and clinics. These providers deliver a magnitude of services across many levels; including public health and preventive services in the community, to primary health care, emergency health services,

The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing Results revealed that at some stage in their lives, up to 45% of Australians will experience a mental illness, with 20% of the Australians surveyed in the 16-85 age group having experienced a mental illness within the 12 months preceding the survey

In Australia 3 million people suffer from depression and on average 1 in 5 women and 1 in 8 men will experience depression in some form. Depression is a ‘mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.’ Signs of depressive behaviour are not going out anymore, withdrawing from close family and friends, relying on alcohol and sedatives and an inability to concentrate. People often feel overwhelmed, miserable, indecisive and irritable as well as negative thought such as “I am worthless”. Depression is the leading cause of disability in Australia, consequently having a huge impact on the economy.

There are several key reasons as to why this mental health crisis exists. The intersecting identities of members of the community subject them to different forms of oppression, including racism, heterosexism, or intergenerational trauma.

The Australian Government and all state and territory governments share responsibility for mental health policy and the provision of support services for Australians living with a mental disorder. State and territory governments are responsible for the funding and provision of state and territory public specialised mental health services and associated psychosocial support services. The Australian Government has primarily taken the lead in national mental health reform initiatives but also funds a range of services for people living with mental health difficulties. The importance of good mental health, and its impact on Australians, has been long recognised by the Australian Government and all state and territory governments.

Australia, like most other developed countries, is experiencing an increase in the demand for health care4 in conjunction with a rise in health care costs which are a result of ageing population, increase in multi disease burden such as the likes on Non-communicable diseases and the need for complex and sometimes expensive forms of medical treatment.

I consider myself lucky, lucky that I was able to get help before it was too late. But most times in America the ones that need help the most are afraid to get it, and we don’t know who they are. It could be your frail, quiet, precise mailman, a constantly changing, moody friend, your very own nervous anxious boss, the rather aggravated stranger you pass by on the way to work, maybe even the familiar figure looking back at you in the mirror. But we don’t know, and probably never will because of the stigma that is placed on mental illness. Nearly 25% of America’s population deals with mental illness, and frankly, America is not helping them.

Key Historical, Key political and Key socio-cultural influence that have shaped healthcare access in contemporary Australian society.

The following essay will begin by demonstrating what is understood by the concept of mental health. It will attempt to identify different explanations for the underlying issues causing mental illnesses and it will then centre around a case study focusing specifically on one mental health problem. A description of what the causes and effects of the chosen illness will be given and information on the available treatment will be presented. To round up the assignment a brief explanation of the chosen case study will be included with an attempt to distinguish the common issues identified and how they relate to the literature information provided throughout. In this assignment, the case study chosen will target depression.